The California Assembly voted 52-21 to approve SB1172, a bill restricting therapists from offering ex-gay therapy to minors. As Jim Burroway notes, the bill’s language has been watered down to eliminate fines, as well as informed consent requirements for adults seeking therapy. During the debate, some Assembly members spoke out against the bill, such as Linda Halderman (R), who suggested the Assembly should focus on priorities like “taking perverts out of the classroom,” and Shannon Grove (R), who insisted that, “It’s my job as a parent to protect my children,” even if that means harmful therapy. The bill now returns to the Senate for a concurring vote on the amendments.

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